Of athletes and patriots

February 29, 2008|By, BOB LEVERKNIGHT

I am beginning to come to the conclusion that Somerset County needs to add something to it’s list of exports - champions.

Case in point, last Tuesday two champions were named to go to the Special Olympics World Games next year. Brian Miller and Andy Sambol will be representing Somerset County, Pennsylvania, and the United States on the biggest stage in Special Olympics.

In my travels, I get to see a lot of sports. From the local high schools, over the last two years, cycling’s national championships, the Tour De ‘Toona, auto racing at the local tracks, and even state championships.

None, are as impressive as Special Olympics.

Here are a group of people, who have almost every right to say “I can’t” but go out and do.

Most of us could use the example set by the athletes of Special Olympics. Here are a group of folks who not only have to deal with a wide variety of medical and mental challenges but, go out, learn a sport, then compete at a high level of proficiency. I applaud their dedication.

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Even more important than the dedication, is the heart that these athletes show. As I visited the venues Monday and Tuesday, I was struck by how friendly and happy these folks are. No arrogance, no “I’m better than you” attitudes, and most strikingly just how thrilled they were to be there.

There is an important issue there. They are happy to be there, competing, enjoying a few days of just being around others like themselves, surrounded by cheering friends new and old, seeing others that have the same issues they have, and being accepted as they are.

All of us can learn from these folks. We can learn to got off out fat benhinds and exercise. We can learn to accept others for what they are, fellow humans on this little blue planet, not by color, race, or problems that we all have.

While waiting for the announcement of the athletes that will make up Team USA at Tuesday night’s closing ceremonies, I saw something that made my heart melt on several different levels.

An honor guard of soldiers was posting the colors. The Star Spangled Banner was being played over the public address system.

As I stood there, hand over my heart, like we all are supposed to do, I took a quick glance out over the athletes. What I saw was nothing short of amazing. Every athlete, every coach, had their hand over their heart, our own Andy Sambol was doing his best at a military-style salute.

It was a moment that touched me in ways I haven’t seen since the aftermath of Sept. 11.

See, all too often, during the posting of the colors and playing of the national anthem, I see most people just standing there, like nothing important is happening. I see too many folks gabbing away, not caring that, for a few moments that they should be honoring those who made the sporting event even possible.

Again, here is a group of people who realize what the Stars and Stripes really means. They showed pride in being American, that even with its flaws, America is the greatest nation to live in.

I have already made a reservation on my son’s couch for next February. See, the middle offspring is being sent to Mountain Home Air Force Base.

Just down the road from the Special Olympics World Games in Boise Idaho. I’ll be cheering for our own Brian Miller.

Go Brian!

(Staff Writer Bob Leverknight, when not planning to cheer one of our own, or realizing there are some who still love their country, can be reached at bobl@dailyamerican.com Comment on the online story at dailyamerican.com)